If you're looking for unique ways to explore the world, embarking on excursions in the wild is the way to go. We’ve compiled a list of six unique camping trips guaranteed to push you out of your comfort zone while inspiring a sense of awe.

1. Antarctica - Snow Camping
2. Mount Acatenango, Guatemala - Volcano Camping
3. Wadi Rum, Jordan - Desert Camping
4. Kruger National Park, South Africa - Safari Camping
5. Hang Son Doong Cave, Vietnam - Cave Camping
6. Cusco, Peru - Mountainside Camping

Discover more about each below:

Sleep under the Arctic Sky

Antarctica may be the last place that comes to mind when you think about camping. But tour groups host expeditions up to Antarctica, allowing you to sleep outdoors on the snow or in a tent. They provide most of the gear needed like sleeping bags, coats, and food. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and is not for the faint of heart.

Overnight Stay on a Volcano

Embark on an overnight hike to the summit of Mount Acatenango in Guatemala. Camp on the rim of the dormant volcano while watching its neighboring active volcano, Fuego, spew lava throughout the night. The hike is considered strenuous, as you ascend 5,000 feet in elevation. Most tour groups provide essentials such as camping gear and food for your overnight stay.

Desert Dwelling Under the Stars

Wadi Rum Desert is known for its sandstone formations and a landscape resembling Mars, which can be seen in movies like The Martian and Star Wars. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in history, featuring petroglyphs and inscriptions in Thamudic, Nabatean, Islamic, and Arabic. Spend a night in traditional Bedouin camps, ride camels, snowboard down dunes, and explore the desert landscape in the back of a truck.

Lions and Rhinos and Elephants - All Night!

Ever wanted to sleep with the lions? At Kruger National Park you can do just that. With various accommodations available, you can camp and explore Kruger National Park in South Africa for an authentic safari experience. Spot and hear Africa’s Big Five—elephant, lion, rhino, leopard, and buffalo—day and night. They provide walking adventures, self-drive safaris, or a traditional safari.

Sleep in the Largest Cave in the World

Trek through the forest, swim, and camp in one of the largest caves in the world. With excursions tailored to various trip durations and challenge levels, there’s something for everyone. From two days to six days of overnight camping in the deep forest, and caves, these trips are meant for adventure seekers. During your expedition, catch sight of monkeys, flying foxes, and unique insects.

Climb Up, Zip line Down and Sleep on this Mountainside Retreat

The Sky Lodge offers a unique opportunity for guests to sleep on the side of a mountain in Cusco, Peru. However, to reach the accommodation, guests must climb via ferrata, and to descend, they need to zip line. During the trip, guests are equipped with harnesses and must use carabiners when moving between different capsules of the Sky Lodge.

Because many of these excursions take place in intense environments, tour groups are often small, and reservations are limited. It's important to plan ahead for these trips to secure your spot, save money, and even consider personal training to ensure you can complete the treks and fully enjoy your camping trip.

In need of more gear before your camping trip?

Check out the SANDMARC outdoor gear.